Let Light Transform You From Bleh to Beautiful

I love hummingbirds—small, speedy, colorful and difficult-to-photograph birds that measure from 2.75 inches to 5.5 inches in length. These measuring-spoon sized avian acrobats act like California Condors when defending their territory from foreign invasion (i.e., other birds approaching ‘its’ feeder).

I feel tired just watching a hummingbird. Their hearts can beat up to 1260 times per minutes (a cardiologist’s nightmare). They excel in foreign acquisitions (they build expandable nests out of insect and spider silk). A hummingbird can consume up to 1.7 times their weight in nectar each day (imagine if we did that!). At night, they lower their metabolism and body temperature so they don’t have to eat.

What I love the most about these feisty birds has more to do with light than with the birds themselves. A hummingbird perched on a branch reminds me of a little old tired person. They glance every which way, and their posture seems hunched and protective.

But, ah. The light. When the light shines at just the right angle, the male hummingbirds transform instantly into iridescent marvels. What appeared cute, but plain a split second before turns into something of indescribable beauty.

Going from Bleh to Beautiful

And so we humans transform when we encounter the Light.

Without the Light, we remain mundane, ordinary and curmudgeonly—defending our territory, our rights and ourselves. When we bask in his light, we allow ourselves to reflect his glory and others have an opportunity to see the blindingly beautiful person God intended us to be. 

When we bask in God's light, we allow ourselves to reflect his glory. Others have an opportunity to see who God intended us to be. Click To Tweet

No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well lighted as your best-lighted room.” (Luke 11:33-36—The Message)

I challenge you this week to look for opportunities to let God’s light shine on you and through you.

1. Link up your favorite posts from last week!

2. Visit TWO other contributors (especially the person who linked up right before you) and leave an encouraging comment.

3. Spread the cheer THREE ways! Tweet something from a post you read, share a post on your Facebook page, stumble upon it, pin it or whatever social media outlet you prefer—just do it!

Don’t forget to visit our other #InspireMeMonday host site over at Blessed (but Stressed)!